With doomsday prophecies predicting the end of the world December 21, believers have been building up their bunkers and lining their pantries with non-perishables meant to last them through the supposed Armageddon, thought to be augured by the Mayan calendar.

Whatever the reason, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention offers a set of guidelines on how to build a disaster supplies kit for you and your family.

Store foods that you eat regularly.Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements.
Store enough foods for two weeks.
Make sure to include a manual can opener, disposable utensils and plates.
Consider including candle warmers, a fondue pot and portable gas-powered stove for cooking.
Keep food in a dry, cool spot out of the sun.
Keep sugar, dried fruits and nuts in screw-top jars or airtight cans.
Avoid eating canned goods that have become dented, swollen or corroded.
Avoid fatty, high-protein or salty foods when your water supply is low.
Keep your hands clean with either soap and water or hand sanitisers.
If water supplies are low, eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.

Shelf life of foods

Within six months use up:
Boxed potatoes
Dried fruit
Dry, crisp crackers
Powdered milk

Follow the expiry dates stamped on the cans. Otherwise, it's advised that wiithin one year you use up:
Canned, condensed meat and vegetable soups
Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables
Hard candy and canned nuts
Jelly
Peanut butter
Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals
Vitamins

The following foods have an indefinite shelf life:
Baking powder
Bouillon products
Dried corn
Dry pasta
Instant coffee, tea, cocoa
Vegetable oils
Salt
Soybeans
Wheat
White rice